Vacuum-Formed Ceramic-Fiber Insulation Manages High Process Temperatures

High process gas temperatures, corrosive constituents in exhaust gases, and thermal shock from wide extremes in operating temperatures put a severe strain on ductwork and other industrial plant components exposed to the harsh process environments. While castable insulating materials provide protection for these components, they have some drawbacks, such as high density and susceptibility to failure due to thermal shock.

A high-temperature insulation consisting of a low-density (~17 lb/ft3, or 0.272 g/cm3) ceramic-fiber sleeve or custom fitting cured inside a metal skin, offers an alternative to castables. Danser Inc.'s VacuductR has a maximum continuous use temperature of 2800F (1540C); provides instant-on/off thermal protection to minimize thermal shock; and at just 20% the weight of castable insulation, requires less support structure and less manpower and time to install than does castable ductwork.